Wine deal: Michel Gassier Cercius Blanc

And they call the wind “Cercius.” The 2012 Michel Gassier Cercius Blanc ($15) is named after the Latin word for the fierce Provençal winds also known as the mistral. They could have named it after the Latin (or French) word for “delicious.” This medium-bodied white blend (70 percent grenache blanc, 30 percent sauvignon blanc) is seriously floral on the nose and vibrant on the palate, with a gorgeous, lime-tinged finish. Tropical notes (fruit and spice) sneak in every so often. It’s a great match for richer seafood dishes and roasted or grilled fowl.

Minneapolis performing artist Patrick Scully brings the Mississippi River Boat Ballet to the festival. No art form requires more precision than ballet, so it's anyone's guess how Scully plans to keep nearly 50 boats; sailboats, kayaks, rowing shells, even a couple of bicycle-powered pontoons in balance, here are highlights from the rehearsal.